Understanding of soil patterns and landscape dynamics is needed to contribute to the development of alternative land use types that are sustainable and which preserve soil quality. At the same large scale, you develop a deeper understanding of land-atmosphere interactions, the impact of climate change on water and soil resources, adaptation strategies on climate change, and the role of society on these processes.

About the specialisation

Landscapes are dynamic systems: natural processes and the growth of the human population continuously and fundamentally change landscapes.

This specialisation offered at is characterized by a system approach to landscapes and the Earth System. You will study all components of the Earth System: solid earth, biosphere, atmosphere and oceans. You investigate the properties and processes of the complex Earth and Climate System, for example carbon or water cycles in the terrestrial, atmospheric compartments, and its anthropogenic components, focusing on their interaction and feedback. Or learning more about soil, what is a key-component of landscape structure and function It provides a number of essential ecosystem services such as food and fibre production, air quality, and water storage and purification. It is essential for all terrestrial life, both above and below ground.

You learn to develop innovative methods and tools which advance our understanding of these interactions, and help develop policies and strategic decision making processes in the field of climate, water, ecosystem services, sustainable soil management in a landscape context and the environment.